What am I even supposed to do? If I pass the day regularly, the day resets, and if I meet the elf, I die. I don't want to go back, I don't want to deal with all the bullshit the witch is putting me in. This was like a checkmate, I was stuck in a position where I couldn't progress to the next day no matter what. I feel like giving up on this, there is no possible way forward... Right? I woke up, it was brighter than usual, and I saw nothing but white.

  Cori: Huh? Am I blind? Why is it all white?

  Maybe My vision hasn't cleared yet, or I am now blind, my vision is taking a really long time to come into focus. I decided to get up, everything around me was white. I decided to make sure I wasn't blind and finally look at my hands, of course, they were still there. They seemed more gray than usual. The area around me is the space that was really there, I was in a white space stretching infinitely; this is probably the afterlife, spend eternity in white space.

  Cori: Did I finally die? I guess this is the afterlife?

  A voice suddenly calls out to me.

  Voice: Cori... Here...

  I turn, the voice seemed to be behind me, even though there was nothing there, I decided to walk in the general direction of the voice. My feet made the sound of water splashing as I crossed the white space, no ripples were in the ground, the floor, if you can call it a floor, is definitely not water. I eventually come across someone sitting at a table. There was a lavish throne, which was all white, and the table was all white also. The only thing that broke the whiteness was the person sitting on the throne, they had a blue mage robe on.

  Cori: Hello?

  Voice: Your turn, outsider.

  The person lifts their head at an inhuman speed, I hear a snap as their head twists upward. The person had short, white hair and yellow eyes, most of the body was skinned except for the face, blood was soaked on almost every inch of their body. Their skin seemed to be a gray color, I couldn't really tell due to the sheer amount of blood coating the skin, blood stained the inside of their robe, I could also see organs hanging out of their stomach, they didn't even seem to care that they were basically walking corpses. I couldn't tell whether the person was a male or female due to the body being disfigured.

  Person: Coward, outsider... YOUR TURN!

  They seemed to get angrier by the second, their faces contorting into a wide frown too wide to be made by a human.

  Cori: Relax! Who even are you?

  Person: GET OVER HERE, YOU SHIT!

  Cori: What is with the attitude? Did your parents not teach you properly? Who do you think you are ordering me around?

  Person: All outsiders are the same after all, leave now. YOU ARE USELESS!

  Is this person some sort of god? Why do they think they can order me around? I just got here, what do they even expect? I have no idea what the point of talking to whoever this is was. I turn my back and leave immediately. I look over my shoulder constantly at the strange person sitting on the throne. Before the throne was out of sight once again, I started to see shadows in the corner of my eyes, they began to cloud my vision.

  Cori: Oh, hey, something new?

  The shadows seem to block the path ahead, a dismembered corpse appears from the shadows, this was different from the one on the throne but seemed eerily similar, it had the same features of a blue robe and white hair, this one clearly had grey skin, the only difference was the injury, it had its arm cut off and was missing parts of its legs, a gaping hole seemed to be in the spot where the heart should be.

  Corpse: Turn back, please... It's not over yet.

  Cori: WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL?

  I was terrified, of course, I sprint back to the table and throne, I never look back at the corpse. The person on the throne didn't respond this time I came back. I came over to check on them.

  Cori: Hello??? You there?

  They were slumped to the side, I got a closer look.

  Cori: Wakey Wakey, I'm right here!

  No response, are they dead or asleep? I decided the best course of action was to push the body, it was surprisingly light, they fell onto the floor and lay still. There was nothing better to do, so I sit down on the throne, taking the place of the corpse.

  Cori: What is the point of all of this? Do I just sit here for eternity?

  Person: Know your place, outsider, you know that you don't belong here, not here...

  The corpse suddenly rises and starts to strangle me, as I feel the hands wrap around my neck, the space suddenly shifts around. I jolted off from the throne only to realize that I was back in the alley.

  Cori: What type of fever dream was that? Now that I'm back here, it's time to make a plan. How will I not die?

  I start thinking, obviously, I cannot avoid or meet the elf, otherwise, the day will reset back to the alleyway. Why does she want to kill me anyway? Why was I considered a "sinner" when I did nothing wrong so far? Nothing about me or the elf made sense, I don't really know if I existed before the witch summoned me, I might have committed some type of atrocity for the elf to have such distain over me. Talking to the elf and begging for my life will not work either, I don't even know the details of myself, and the elf cannot be reasoned with. I need someone to protect me while I meet the elf or have good relations with someone related. I can probably sort things out that way. If I fail, I can just try again, there isn't really any other option.

  Cori: But who is the elf associated with? I can probably ask the city guards to help me, but they won't be able to go outside the city... If the elf is located at the village, then my best bet is to hire an adventurer or a knight for protection... But I'm broke, and I don't have enough time to hire someone within one day...

  Stealing may have been an option, but it's too unpredictable. I barely got past one day by stealing, and I can't steal from anything major like a store. Suddenly, someone crosses my mind.

  Cori: That's it! Regel! Regel is obviously in some way associated with the elf to know where she is. I can easily help him this time since I don't need to bother searching around all day for the bandits. My best course of action is to gain his trust by helping him and making a deal to let me see the elf without dying. My help with Regel would definitely convince him that I was worthy to see the elf... somehow.

  This was my best bet so far, I knew the location of the bandits, and at this time, I also knew where the elf was at this time. Since he is associated with the elf, the elf should be of his concern. I can probably get him to follow me to the elf, he would definitely at least pay me back in some way after I help him. The only hole in the plan for now is the fact that he knows I am a "sinner" for some reason, but I could do some good deeds in order to balance out the sin I have caused. That's how it works, right? But what counts as a good deed?

  Cori: I am such a genius! I should write a book about myself! There are a few holes in my plan, but I will push through it all.

  As expected, when Regel crosses the alleyway into the open, the "saving the kid" event should happen. I don't want to get his attention now since my clothes were extremely suspicious... Especially in an alleyway. Regel saves the child, gets praise, and goes on his merry way. I follow him like a stalker down the road. I manage to catch up to him this time.

  Cori: Regel!

  Regel: Eh?

  Cori: You're Regel, right?

  I have to act like I don't know him, I don't think knowing his name should be hole in my act since he seems famous enough to be recognized in the crowd.

  Regel: Hm? Who the hell is Regel?

  What the hell? His name is Regel! Did he lie to me when we met?

  Cori: Oh... Uhm... Did I get your name wrong?

  "Regel" looks at me again, I could feel my soul being touched by his gaze again... Why does this happen each time? He seemed to be more confused this time.

  Regel: Yeah? My name isn't Regel... Why are you using the name of the late demon lord so carelessly, screaming it in front of people?

  The people around us didn't seem to care. They probably thought something along the lines of, "That weird homeless girl is going insane! She probably now worships a dead demon!" My face turns red.

  Cori: Sorry... But I didn't know that the demon lord was called that... Someone told me that your name was Regel...

  Regel: Oh, well, my name is Alastor. What do you need?

  He seemed extremely weirded out by me. I really hope this doesn't affect the outcome.

  Cori: Alright, mister Alastor! I have a request for you! Can we talk it out in some place private?

  Alastor: Oh... Uh... Sure?

  We head over to the side of the road and start talking.

  Cori: I heard you were in search of some documents that were stolen by some bandits.

  Alastor seemed to look at me with even more confusion.

  Alastor: Why, yes... How did you get this information?

  Cori: I got it from some mysterious people, and I want to help.

  Alastor: I don't need your help. What you really need to do is take care of yourself. Have you taken a look at yourself?

  To think about it, up to this point, I haven't really taken my appearance into account, I haven't been paying attention to myself this whole time. I checked up on my body, I had short hair, which was messy, gray skin, and I was extremely skinny. No wonder he said I had malnutrition the first time we met. I was also covered in mysterious stains, and there were even more mysterious stains on my robe... I most likely looked like a mess to other people around me... No wonder everyone I talked to had a weird look on their face.

  Cori: I can worry about myself later, I have some super important info on the bandits that you would want!

  Alastor: What might that be?

  Cori: Their hideout location! I know where one of their hideouts is. They have been bothering me for an extremely long time, and I want them gone. I saw them get documents into their hideout, it's a guaranteed win-win! I get to live on the streets in peace, and you get the documents!

  Alastor: And where might their hideout be at?

  Cori: It is in this one alleyway, come! I will show you.

  Alastor: Fine, I'll follow, just note that if you waste my time, I won't hesitate to punish you...

  Cori: That's a deal!

  I am in a safe spot for now, I just need to keep my act up in order to avoid being suspected. This is all going according to my plan for now. He seemed surprisingly willing to work with me, why though? My plan was going along pretty smoothly, I don't think I should reveal the elf yet, otherwise he might get suspicious on how much information I know. I would look like a complete stalker, I just have to ask for info on the elf slowly. Nothing bad will happen... Right? It's not like things have gone wrong up to this point... Heh.

  Alastor: So, need anything in return?

  Cori: I will tell you later, it isn't much really, just some information.

  Alastor: I'm curious, what may that information be?

  Cori: Classified until I help you, you need my help, right?

  Alastor seemed to wince at me, seemingly in confusion and shock. His face then changed to confusion.

  Alastor: Well… Uh… That's fine, as long as you do it your way.

  Cori: What is with these looks anyways, you seemed composed earlier, what's wrong?

  Alastor: How should I put this nicely… You're weird.

  Cori: Hm? How?

  Alastor: You just don't seem like the person to seek out justice against bandits, especially asking me out of all people to deal with them. You look weird, smell weird, and I don't even know you.

  Cori: Don't say it isn't helping me also, I get to get those rats off my shoulders, and I get some useful information out of you. By the way, you're a knight right? You deal with crime. There wasn't anyone better to ask than a kind man who saved that child. A knight in shining armor is the only thing I can run to to save me from the bad guys after all.

  Alastor: You flatter me, I guess you can consider me a knight… By the way, I wear a cloak.

  Cori: Are you not a knight?

  Alastor: I'm technically considered a knight, just not one that works in the city…

  Cori: Ohhhh, are you a mercenary? An adventurer?

  Alastor: It has been a while since I heard the word adventurer.

  Cori: What about it? You have a party or something? I think that's what adventure groups are called.

  Alastor: I do have a partner that I won't disclose, but adventurers kind of don't exist anymore.

  Cori: What? Why? Did it get too boring?

  Alastor: You don't know? The world has changed drastically, ever since the void surge.

  Cori: What the hell is that?

  Alastor: I would rather not talk about it, now isn't the time. All I have to say is that adventurers and the guild are long gone in the past.

  Cori: Man, you're boring…

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  We continued walking toward the alleyway that held the documents. I tried to pry into who his partner was but it was no use, it's probably a girlfriend or wife. I decided to stop being annoying and move on, we both walked in silence for a while, the sun was still high up in the sky. I was doing amazing on time, this could not have gone better than it has. We continued walking, people shot weird glances at me in particular but none of them did anything out of order.

  Alastor: Your steps seem to be getting slower, are you fatigued?

  Cori: Absolutely! Not that it matters…

  Alastor: I could get you something to eat, what would you like?

  Free food! The sun was still up, we had plenty of time. It wouldn't hurt to get something.

  Cori: Oh! I want some fruit, but I haven't tried any of them yet.

  I had eaten meat and vegetables, but I haven't tried fruit. I remember him saying I was carnivorous? Can carnivores eat fruit?? I bet most food made me throw up but it doesn't hurt to try. At least the meat doesn't make me vomit… The moment I requested fruit, Alastor shot a weird glance at me. I don't feel like eating meat, it comes from disgusting creatures, I hate this living things, the thought of touching them makes me sick.

  Alastor: Really? Do you not want meat? It would fill you up better.

  Cori: Uhhh, I don't really like meat. Unless I am really hungry.

  Alastor: You're such a picky eater… Plus, you're really hungry right now.

  Cori: Just give me the damn fruit or give me nothing, I don't want meat, why do you even want to treat me to meat this badly?

  Alastor: It is important to keep my assistant well fed so she can lead the search better, I care about you.

  Is Alastor a nice - guy or something? He fits the cookie cutter definition of a desperate knight seeking a princess. Is he some type of perv? I don't want to think about it too much, but it's always good to know he can give me food when I want for some reason, then I won't need to hunt around for it myself.

  Cori: Fine… I'll take the meat.

  Alastor buys some type of meat attached to a stick? He called it chicken… I don't really know much about specific things… It must be popular since there was a line at the stand where Alastor bought the chicken 2 seconds after we left. It was as if Alastor was controlling the pedestrians to buy chicken. There were many more options to choose from but Alastor said that I would like this one. I took a bite out of it, but it didn't taste that bad. I expected it to taste like a mix of rotten eggs with feathers, turns out, I got the wrong idea. I will still stick to not eating as much meat. I sit down at a bench in order to eat.

  Cori: Damn! This chicken stuff is good!

  I was pretending to like it, it tasted average to me at best, bland was the best way to describe it. I just wanted Alastor to feel good about himself, I could flatter him more to get on his good side.

  Alastor: You don't know what chicken is?

  Cori: I've seen it somewhere, but I never knew what it was called.

  Alastor: Strange how someone clever enough to stalk and not get caught by the black cats doesn't know what chicken is…

  Cori: I'm just dumb I guess, but it's not like you Mr. Knight, you are smart and cunning.

  Alastor: (It's almost like she was born yesterday or something, a sinner this old should at least know this certain information)

  I felt much better after eating. It was as if I had a burst of energy, I felt like I grew at least 2 times more strong, but looking at my arms just then, I realized multiplying 0 by 2 still results in 0. We continued our walk to the bandit hideout, we eventually reached the town square where that vegetable shop owner was. I was short on time so I decided not to find his child. There wasn't any need to find her as long as Alastor didn't decide to bug me about her. We pass the shop, going down the road to where the alleyway is, we eventually reach the place. Alastor suddenly had a serious expression on his face, it was as if he knew that this was the alleyway where the bandits hid the documents.

  Alastor: I guess this is the place… Come with me.

  Cori: How do you know? Didn't you need my help just a while ago?

  Alastor: I didn't really… Just come, this isn't a request.

  Cori: Why did you hear me out then?

  Alastor suddenly grabs my arm. He leads me into the alleyway, I show no resistance toward his grab. He presses a loose brick in on the wall and it opens a door leading into a room. The room was like an abandoned shed on the inside, wooden planks lined the roof and walls, a small light flickered in the room but most importantly, there was a chest. It was likely filled with those documents.

  Alastor: Tell me… What is your request?

  Cori: It was for information on someone… I want you to take the documents before I answer.

  Alastor: I've completed my objective, now what is your objective… Be truthful.

  Alastor seemed much more cold than usual, the soul piercing stare was in action again.

  Cori: I… Wanted to know about elves.

  Alastor: Really? Now, let me ask you. Do you recognize these documents?

  He pulls the lid on the chest, scrolls that were silvery glimmered within, it was as if the documents were just money.

  Cori: Are those rolls of silver? I thought you were talking about documents?

  Alastor: The information in this document is written on silver, it is extremely important.

  Cori: Wouldn't that make it stand out? What are these even for?

  Alastor: So, you don't recognize these documents? Then do you recognize me? Be truthful.

  It was as if he could see into past loops, did the past loops really happen?

  Cori: Technically, yes? I don't know about you other than us in the city.

  Alastor: Hmmm… It is a shame, really. Maybe I could jog your memory? Do you seriously have no memory? Are you kidding?

  Alastor suddenly reaches into his cloak, a glowing light emanated from his hand as he drew out a longsword, within the blade were runes which were crudely carved in, the blade seemed to be pulsating with a light that drained every inch of strength I had, I felt extreme shock and fear toward the light, as if it were a reflex. The blade was thin and long, connected to a black handle. Between the cross guard, there was a medallion which was engraved with a rune, the presence of the blade seemed to harm me. It was similar to that glowing light I saw in one of my previous time loops.

  Cori: Woah! What the… We don't need to resort to violence now! W-We can talk it out!

  Alastor: I will not be violent. Do you recognize this blade?

  Cori: I - I don't…

  Alastor: Tell me, why do you want to find the elf so bad? Is it because someone sent you? I want you to calmly explain everything to me.

  Cori: There was this Witch! I need to find this elf otherwise I will loo-

  Before I could finish my sentence, I felt a cold grip on my throat, before I knew it, blood gushed outwards, spilling onto my clothes. It was as if I was being decapitated, but halfway. There was no amount of healing that could save me at this point.

  Alastor: What the hell? Are you alright?

  I couldn't' respond, Alastor's cold demeanor turned into a sour and concerned expression as I lay bleeding out on the floor. He can use healing magic, right? He can save me! My last moments were me laying on the floor as he was desperately fixing my neck… Maybe I will survive this time? Healing magic is what he uses... But why does the healing burn? Why does it hurt so much? Why isn't it healing me?

  Everything fades to black

  It seemed like everyone I needed to interact with wanted to kill me. That sudden change of tone was extremely weird. How did I even die? I was about to tell him about the loops, maybe the witch silenced me? This is unfair, what am I even supposed to do? I cannot talk to the elf's subordinates, I cannot mind my own business, and I can't directly say hi to the elf without getting skinned alive. It seemed impossible to get past even day one of my adventure. Those secret powers would come in handy if I had them. I can't even give up, what should I do? Like always, I woke up on the garbage pile in the alleyway, the sun was high up in the sky.

  Cori: At least I know another person who will stab me…

  I do not know the true intentions of Alastor but he clearly wanted to kill me, drawing that blade seemed to suck the soul right out of my body, whatever I am, I clearly do not like that sword.

  Cori: This is a dead end, I have infinite lives for this day it seems… I mind as well figure out what is going on in that village.

  I decided to go back to the village, maybe things will be different in the village earlier in the day? There isn't anything I can do other than investigate that village. I decided to go to the village. I walked for hours until I reached the same hill. The village looked normal from afar.

  Cori: No fog, as I expected. Nothing seems to have changed.

  The village below the valley had no mist for some reason even though when you get close, the cloudy fog settles in suddenly. I walked toward the "lively village" which was drowning in sunshine down at the clearing in the small forest, I betted to myself that the fog would suddenly come as soon as I reached the forest edge. I reached the location faster than expected despite my body slowly dying from hunger. There was no mist for some reason. I even manage to go through the forest quite easily. The sun was still up in the sky, it was as if no time had passed since I left to go to the village. I eventually got to the clearing, the village looked normal, maybe things were different this loop? The village seemed to be well until now. The village was like any other, it had stone and wood buildings that were well constructed, multiple shops were scattered about with residential areas they all had the same design for buildings, sometimes, a larger building would appear, usually it was of significance like the town hall or an inn. I didn't have much business around here other than to look for the elf, which I didn't want to do.

  Cori: When was the last time the witch appeared? Did she just leave me around? It would be really helpful if there was a wise person to help me out in this situation!

  I say that out loud, no reply… I really hoped that I would get some form of help. I finally decided to venture further into the village. I found myself in a clearing, a cobbled floor lined the edges of a statue that stood before me, it was in poor condition, seemingly ruined. I could make out a man in a heroic pose.

  Cori: I have no idea what I'm even doing here… There isn't anything to investigate really without the fog, clearly things were much different with the fog.

  I stroll down the streets, everyone who walked past me shot me disgusted glances, did they not like outsiders? Or maybe it was because I was homeless. The reason was probably both but I decided to ignore them. Was there anything else to do right now? Everything seems pretty normal to me, but surely something will happen. The elf will probably show up some time and kill me, this was the last location the elf was in, right? I decided to wait on a bench, but as I sat there, people started giving me the "look" I felt like it was a mix of disbelief and disgust this time, not that much better.

  Cori: Would you stop staring at me? You have better things to do.

  Villager: No… It's just that-

  Cori: Shut the hell up! Am I really that ugly? Go away!

  Villager 2: An extremely rude homeless… Not a common sight around here.

  Cori: Do you hate the homeless or something?

  I was starting to draw a crowd of villagers around me, there were at least 5. Do they have some sort of beef with me? I have to get out of here, fast… I got up and sprinted toward an alleyway, none of the villagers followed, they stared blankly as they turned the corner.

  Cori: Heh… That's that problem solved, I don't mind waiting with some rats, that elf is bound to show up sometime.

  Person: Who are you calling a rat?

  Cori: Huh? Someone's here?

  Person 2: Heh, we have an easy target this time!

  Dammit! These people are muggers… One appeared from a corner and the other dropped down from the roof, there were 2 of them.

  Robber 1: You new around here? They teach people not to wander in our territory! I expected more people to follow!

  I seem to get into endless trouble in the alleyways, maybe I should avoid them? One of the robbers approached me.

  Robber 1: Now… If you would kindly hand over your money…

  Cori: News flash: I'm homeless.

  Robber 2: Homeless? Huh?

  The first robber comes up to me and checks my body, he finds nothing but the rusty knife and wood mask.

  Robber 1: There's nothing on her, it's just all garbage, I would pay someone to own these weird items.

  Robber 2: Have you checked underneath that bulky robe? It could hide a bunch of stuff.

  I was calm about the mugging up until now, I knew these bandits would find nothing on me, but I would at least like for them to not rob my dignity, they don't know I wear nothing under this robe.

  Robber 1: Alright! Let's see!

  Cori: Wait! Hold on-

  Before I could finish, he grabbed my robe and yanked it off, it came off decently easily.

  Robber 1: AGH! SHE REALLY DOES HAVE NOTHING.

  Both of the muggers blush instantly, they both gawk at my body.

  Cori: GIVE ME BACK THE DAMN ROBE!

  Robber 1: Absolutely…

  Robber 2: Beautiful…

  I would rather not be sexually be harassed while I was being robbed. The robbers both seemed to be stunned at my appearance. I snatched the robe easily and put it back on, both robbers were spaced out, their jaws hanging. This wasn't the way that I would ever plan on escaping but it worked, I would take this chance. I headed out the alleyway back onto the square with the statue in it, there seemed to be far less people.

  Cori: Never going back there again, those perverts deserve to die… I swear I will kill everyone who loves them. How could they disrespect me like that?

  I didn't know that there would be people who would be stunned just by looking at a woman's naked body. When I headed back out into the square, something seemed off, and it wasn't the lack of people. There was a knight in the town square talking to some civilians. The knight wasn't Alastor/ Regel but had a similar dress to him. He had the same cloak on and the same aura, the only difference was the face that belonged to the knight, he was blonde with a handsome face, he looked like the type of person to be arrogant. Instead of no weapons present, he carried 2 sheathed swords, the only difference I could see between Alastor's outfit was the heavier armor he wore. Were there other knights like Alastor out here?

  Knight: You happen to know where some documents are?

  Villager: I can assure you they aren't in this village, your master Altair said that it was most likely in the city!

  Knight: He told me to do some last minute checks here. I was to be stationed here just in case. If we don't find these documents, something bad is about to happen.

  Villager: What?

  Knight: We cannot disclose this.

  Something bad is going to happen? I remember the ruins of the village, maybe that is the danger this knight is talking about? If that is so, I better get out of here. I felt like it could happen any second, I didn't want to be around to figure out what weird things were going to happen until I realized something. If the thing killed me, I could just go back to the beginning of the day. I don't really want to leave this village without receiving any information yet, even if it kills me. I decided to just stay here a while longer until that danger arises. There isn't really anything else to do but wait for now, I decided to take a walk around the village.

  Cori: What event caused all that fog? This can't be natural, maybe some sort of evil mist monster?

  I walked around the various houses, avoiding as many people as possible, scouting out the village was my main goal for now. I found the village to be quite large, maybe because it was near the city? Time seemed to move slower all of a sudden. I swear I have spent hours in this village, I was much faster on this loop I guess.

  Cori: I'm starting to feel a bit tired, maybe I should rest…

  I sat down against one of the walls of a nearby tavern, I really looked homeless or drunk now. It was not long before the knight from before came up to me looking at me weird. It was strange how he could spot me specifically while no one else entering the tavern cared.

  Knight: Hello miss, you new around here?

  Cori: I guess? I just came from the city.

  The knight had a look of shock for some reason, he seemed a bit nervous.

  Knight: So, what is your purpose from coming to this village?

  Cori: I really had nothing better to do in the city.

  Knight: Anyways, I have a question for you. Do you happen to know the location of some documents? It would help stop a calamity that could happen.

  Why ask me in particular? I'm literally a homeless person, there were at least 20 people in the tavern you could ask. I guess he made the right call asking me? I could tell the truth right now, but would he suspect me?

  Cori: I really don't know.

  Knight: I guess I have no choice, my friend.

  The sudden shift in attitude startled me, he draws out one of his 2 blades and points it at me, I have to think, fast.

  Cori: WAIT! I know where they are, they are in a specific alleyway next to a shop named Edd's supplies a little bit away from one of the city squares! Tell this to Altair or whoever your boss is!

  I decided to spill everything, I even threw my hands up. If I was going to die, I would at least die to whatever fog monster was coming.

  Knight: Huh? What?

  Before he could finish, I used this chance to dash with all my might through the buildings, I ran aimlessly around the buildings attempting to lose the knight, I could hear him yelling at me from behind.

  Knight: Trickster! Get back here!

  I don't know how I tricked him, I just ran away when he was in thought, he even looked at the sky with his hand on his chin, what an idiot. I easily managed to lose him but not at a cost, I was completely out of breath, and this fast? I probably should work on my endurance if I have the time. The place I ended up in was familiar for some reason, I feel like I've been here before. I suddenly had a realization.

  Cori: Shit! I'm back in the zone of those muggers!

  They could be back at any moment, I crouch down and take my time moving through the shadows of this alleyway. Despite this place being a village, there were clumps of buildings that were tightly packed together forming these alleyways. It is thanks to them I escaped the knight but it has the drawbacks of getting mugged by the local thieves. I suddenly noticed a splatter of blood, I didn't imagine murders happening here also, I peeped around the corner to something I couldn't imagine. Not far from the spot where I got "robbed", cubes of flesh lay on the floor, cleanly cut. Some of the cubes even had clothes on them still, the beheaded heads of the robbers lay on the floor, a checkered blood pattern on their faces. It was as if the 2 were diced up by a chef, their organs were also in perfect cubes, despite the strange structure of these cubes, none of them fell apart. Clearly, someone who is an expert on turning people into cubes was lurking around. I ran past the diced up robbers out into the open once again, I decided to take a break on the bench I sat in less than an hour ago, it was as if I just went in a huge loop, but clearly, things have changed. The thing that changed the most was my hunger, I was getting extremely hungry, maybe I can sleep it off? I would eat anything at this point… I think back to the cubes of flesh strew about like a buffet, could I eat that? I want to eat it.

  Cori: Have some common sense, Cori! I'm not eating robbers off the ground, that's disgusting.

  I don't know if something was wrong with my head but the thought of eating the cubes of flesh made me drool. Maybe I should go back just for a bite? It shouldn't be that bad. It's human meat, meat from disgusting things, parts of those disgusting beings, why would I ever eat that?

  Cori: What the hell am I thinking… The rats have probably taken a crap on those pieces of flesh multiple times!

  At this point, I was trying to think of any excuse not to eat the human flesh off the floor, I came up with "the ghosts of those imbeciles will haunt you", "you will look stupid if someone catches you", and "why the hell are you thinking about eating dirt covered flesh." In the end, it was either stolen from the villagers, or I would eat the free food off the floor.

  Cori: Fine! Thoughts, you win… I will eat the flesh, but only the cleaner ones.

  I walked back up to the bodies and inspected the cubes. I was ready to pick out a cube when I heard someone yell at me.

  Knight: Hey! There you are! Fiend!

  Great, this knight is back now… I better get out of here.

  Cori: Catch me if you can!

  I ran in the open air, I know it will be embarrassing to get chased after in the open air but at least I will have witnesses if I get stabbed.

  Knight: Gah! No fair, this armor is heavy you know! We have a runner!

  Before I could reach the exit, something stopped me, there were strings forming a web around the exit. They cut just enough into my skin so that it bled, but it didn't dice me up like the robbers.

  Cori: What the hell?

  Knight: I have you now! Villain!

  I'm totally screwed, I would die here, I haven't realized how out of breath I had gotten from sprinting, had adrenaline kept me going up until now? Someone else suddenly comes to us, she walked slowly from the shadows behind the knight

  Cori: Who is that?

  A hooded person walked out from behind the knight, she had knee high boots with a rugged cloak, it was the elf.

  Elf: Hello sinner, mind if we have a chat?

  I am completely screwed. This is unfair.